Stair climbing exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus, particularly useful for in-water use, comprises a frame having, at its front end, a pair of side by side inclined tracks. A pair of steps are mounted for movement along respective ones of the tracks. A seating member includes a horizontal seat secured to the frame by a mechanism allowing selective positioning of the seat in front of the steps, whereby a user can operate the steps while seated, or to one side of the steps, whereby the steps are accessible by a user for performing a conventional stair climbing exercise.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An exercise apparatus for use within a body of water comprising a frame on which are formed two parallel adjacent tracks inclined from the vertical, the two tracks having a lower end and an upper end with the lower end of the parallel tracks being intended to rest on the bottom of the body of water and the upper end of the parallel tracks extending above the bottom, two steps and guide means one step per track, said steps being reciprocally movable along adjacent paths defined by said tracks, means interconnecting said two steps, upon movement of one of said steps downwardly in response to a force exerted thereon by a user of the device, the other of said steps is moved upwardly, and each of said steps having a surface disposed generally perpendicular to the direction of movements of said steps, whereby in use of said device within a body of water, the water provides resistance to movements of said steps along said direction; and a seating member mounted on said frame including a seat, and means for selectively positioning said seat in operative relationship with said steps, whereby, in a first position of said seat adjacent to said steps, a user seated on said seat can engage and force said steps downwardly with his feet thereby reducing the effect of the user's weight, or in a second position of said seat displaced with respect to said steps, a user in upright stance can access said steps for performing an activity akin to stair climbing. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to claim 1, including means for selectively adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of said seat relative to said steps. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to claim 2, including a vertically adjustable mechanism for supporting the weight of said seat in any selected position thereof. 
     
     
       4. In combination, a body of water and an exercise apparatus for use within said body of water, said apparatus comprising a frame on which are formed two parallel adjacent tracks inclined from the vertical, the two tracks having a lower end and an upper end with the lower end of the parallel tracks being intended to rest on the bottom of the body of water and the upper end of the parallel tracks extending above the bottom, two steps and guide means one step per track, said steps being reciprocally movable along adjacent paths defined by said tracks, means interconnecting said two steps, upon movement of one of said steps downwardly in response to a force exerted thereon by a user of the device, the other of said steps is moved upwardly, and each of said steps having a surface disposed generally perpendicular to the direction of movements of said steps, whereby in use of said device within a body of water, the water provides resistance to movements of said steps along said direction; a seating member mounted on said frame including a seat, and means for selectively positioning said seat in operative relationship with said steps, whereby, in a first position of said seat adjacent to said steps, a user seated on said seat can engage and force said steps downwardly with his feet, or in a second position of said seat displaced with respect to said steps, a user in upright stance can access said steps for performing a stair climbing activity. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus according to claim 4, including means for selectively adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of said seat relative to said steps. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus according to claim 5, including a vertically adjustable mechanism for supporting the weight of said seat in any selected position thereof. 
     
     
       7. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a flap means is mounted on each step extending laterally from each step for increasing resistance to movement of the steps in water. 
     
     
       8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said seating member when placed in said second position enables one user to use the steps for performing an activity akin to stair climbing and enabling another user to concurrently make independent use of the seating member. 
     
     
       9. In the combination as claimed in claim 4, the exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a flap means is mounted on each step extending laterally from each step for increasing resistance to movement of the steps in water. 
     
     
       10. In the combination as claimed in claim 4, an exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said seating member when placed in said second position enables one user to use the steps for performing an activity akin to stair climbing and enabling another user to concurrently make independent use of the seating member. 
     
     
       11. An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, a pair of steps mounted on the frame for alternating up and down movement, a seating member mounted on said frame including a seat, and means for selectively positioning said seat in operative relationship with said steps, said seating member and seat, and said means for selectively positioning said seat, including a horizontal member extending from said frame for supporting the seat and said horizontal member resting on a vertical pole rotatably mounted on said frame for enabling the seat member to be rotated about the frame while being supported by said vertical and horizontal members whereby, in a first position of said seat adjacent to said steps, a user seated on said seat can engage and force said steps downwardly with his feet, or in a second position said seat is displaced with respect to said steps, and a user in upright stance can access said steps for performing a stair climbing activity. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus according to claim 11, including means for selectively adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of said seat relative to said steps. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus according to claim 12, including a vertically adjustable mechanism for supporting the weight of said seat in any selected position thereof.